STARS OF 2008:

TB Mikell Simpson -- Simpson started the last three games and energized Virginia's running game. He had a 96-yard run against Texas Tech in the Gator Bowl, when he amassed 170 yards on the ground.

LB Jon Copper -- Copper has started the last 25 games and leads a veteran corps of linebackers. In addition to leading in tackles with 109, he came up with two interceptions in 2007.

LB Antonio Appleby -- Appleby starts at one of the inside positions alongside Copper. He has 27 career starts.

LT Eugene Monroe -- This is the season for this senior to step up and fulfill the potential most saw in him when he arrived on campus. He and RT Will Barker will be key performers in the offensive line.

TOP NEWCOMERS

DE Matt Conrath -- With both defensive ends gone, Conrath, a highly rated redshirt freshman, has the opportunity to get in the rotation up front.

DE Zane Parr -- Parr is another redshirt freshman considered to have a great upside and opportunity for playing time.

WR Kris Burd -- Burd, a redshirt freshman, looks to compete for the third spot at receiver.

RB Torrey Mack -- The Cavaliers have veterans returning to the backfield, but Mack, a true freshman and the catch of the recruiting class, could see time after he reports in the fall.

ROSTER REPORT

--TB Cedric Peerman, who sustained a foot injury last Oct. 6 and missed the rest of the season, was cleared medically to take part in spring drills. He was rushing for better than 97 yards a game when he was hurt and won't push things because he "doesn't have anything to prove" in the spring, coach Al Groh said.

--CB Mike Parker, a backup as a redshirt freshman last season, also is getting a look at safety. He started in the Gator Bowl when the Cavaliers opened with extra defensive backs against aerial-minded Texas Tech.

--TB Andrew Pearman is no longer with the Cavaliers. Pearman returned last fall after withdrawing from school in 2006 for personal reasons. But he was sent home before last season's Gator Bowl, and Groh said the current problem was a recurrence of the health issues Pearman faced the year before, calling it kind of a "sensitive family issue."

--CB Mike Brown is on the roster but not taking part in any activities until charges he faces that include grand larceny and possession of marijuana are resolved.

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